Chocolate Orange Bites Recipes

Steps:

• Cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate 15 minutes. , On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-in. cookie cutter or shape into 2x1-in. rectangles. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Combine orange zest and remaining sugar; spread thin layer over cookies., Bake at 350° for 14-16 minutes or until the edges just begin to brown. Remove to wire racks to cool. Melt chocolate chips; decorate cookies.

Steps:

• In small bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
• In large bowl, beat shortening, 1/2 cup granulated sugar and the orange zest with spoon until blended. Beat in 1 egg. Stir in flour mixture until well blended. Knead 5 to 10 times or until dough is smooth. Shape dough into 6- by 5-inch rectangle; divide in half, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until dough is firm and cold.
• Heat oven to 350°F. In 1-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips and condensed milk over low heat 2 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in almonds. Set aside.
• Working with 1 dough half at a time, remove from refrigerator and unwrap. Lightly flour a 12x6-inch rectangle in center of cooking parchment paper. Using floured rolling pin, roll chilled dough to a 12x6-inch rectangle. If dough cracks slightly on edges, press together to mend. Spoon and spread 1/2 cup of the filling on one half of the long side of rectangle, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges. In small bowl, stir 1 egg and water until well blended. Brush edges with egg mixture.
• Place a hand on either side of the short side of parchment paper. Working quickly, use the long side of parchment paper to help fold dough in half lengthwise over filling to cover. Press down slightly to stick dough to filling. Press with fork to seal 1/2-inch edge on sides. Brush top with egg mixture; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the sparkling sugar. Slide paper with dough onto large cookie sheet.
• Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown on top and edges. Cool 1 minute; cut crosswise into 1-inch wide slices with sharp knife, cleaning knife blade as needed. Move individual slices from parchment paper to cooling rack.
• Meanwhile, repeat steps on assembling and baking with second half of refrigerated dough and remaining filling. Use remaining egg mixture and 1 teaspoon sparkling sugar before baking.
• Cool slices completely, about 1 hour. Store covered in airtight container in single layer.